They returned to the high ground where the cocoa-nut grove ended, and
collecting together several branches and piles of leaves, made a good
soft bed under the trees.

"And now we'll go to bed. Look, William, at the long shadow of the
trees the sun has nearly set."

"Shall I give the dogs some water now, Ready? See, poor Remus is
licking the sides of the bottles."

"No, do not give them any: it appears to be cruel, but I want the
intelligence of the poor animals to-morrow, and the want of water will
make them very keen, and we shall turn it to good account. So now,
William, we must not forget to return thanks to a merciful God, and to
beg his care over us for this night. We little know what the day may
bring forth. Good-night!"

CHAPTER SIXTEEN.

William slept as sound as if he had been on shore in England upon a soft
bed in a warm room--so did old Ready; and when they awoke the next
morning it was broad daylight. The poor dogs were suffering for want of
water, and it pained William to see them with their tongues out, panting
and whining as they looked up to him. "Now, William," said Ready,
"shall we take our breakfast before we start, or have a walk first?"

"Ready, I cannot really drink a drop of water myself, and I am thirsty,
unless you give a little to these poor dogs."

"I pity the poor dumb creatures as much as you do, Master Willy; it is
kindness to ourselves and them too, which makes me refuse it to them.
However, if you like, we will take a walk first, and see if we can find
any water. Let us first go to the little dell to the right, and if we
do not succeed, we will try farther on where the water has run down
during the rainy season." William was very glad to go, and away they
went, followed by the dogs, Ready having taken up the spade, which he
carried on his shoulder. They soon came to the dell, and the dogs put
their noses to the ground, and snuffed about. Ready watched them; at
last they lay down panting.

"Let us go on," said Ready, thoughtfully; they went on to where the run
of water appeared to have been--the dogs snuffed about more eagerly than
before.

"You see, William, these poor dogs are now so eager for water, that if
there is any, they will find it out where we never could. I don't
expect water above-ground, but there may be some below it. This beach
is hardly far enough from the water's edge, or I should try in the sand
for it."

"In the sand--but would it not be